Track and Field: Setting a standard

SAN MARCOS — Like any successful athlete, Texas State junior Logan Cunningham set goals before his season began.

Cunningham, a pole vaulter for the Bobcats' track and field team, aimed his sights at the United States Olympic Team Trials held in Eugene, Ore. If Cunningham cleared 5.50 meters (18 feet), he'd earn an provisional invitation to the prestigious meet.

Well, it didn't take Cunningham long to accomplish his goal.

In the fourth meet of the season, Cunningham not only bested that mark, but won the illustrious Tyson Invitational hosted by the University of Arkansas. Cunningham cleared 5.51 meters (18-01) and beat the nearest competitor (Illinois' Cody Klein) by a foot.

"I came into the season more focused than I've ever been, so I'm glad it paid off," Cunningham said Friday afternoon. "I just wasn't sure if it was going to hold up throughout the rest of the season."

Even though Cunningham's mark stood the rest of the season, he made sure to improve it at May's Southland Conference Championships. Cunningham cleared 5.53 meters (18-01.75), which was the third highest in the nation, to win his first outdoor title.

He earned a trip to the NCAA West Preliminary Round in Austin, where he finished fourth with a height of 5.40 meters (17-08.50). It was enough for Cunningham to advance to the NCAA championships, becoming just the fourth Bobcat to reach that level three consecutive times (Olympic gold medalist Charles Austin, Becky Collins and Brian Veal).

Even though Cunningham didn't fare too well in Des Moines, Iowa, he knew better things were ahead.

"I'm glad to get the opportunity to compete at that level, but I haven't been jumping that great lately," Cunningham said. "I know there is room for improvement."

Cunningham will get an opportunity at redemption beginning Monday at the US Olympic Trials. He received word last week that he earned an invitation to Heyward Field and declared soon after.

"That was a cool moment," Cunningham said of his declaration. "It was pretty humbling seeing my name up there with all of the greats.

"To be honest, it hasn't really set in yet, but when I get up there, it probably will."

Cunningham jumps Monday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. for an opportunity to advance to Thursday's final round. In order to get into the finals, Cunningham must beat 12 of his 24 competitors.

Then, if Cunningham finishes in the Top 3, he'll represent the United States in the 2012 Summer Olympics, held in London, England. Cunningham isn't thinking that far just yet.

"I'm just hoping to jump better than I've ever jumped before," Cunningham said. "If it's enough to get me to London, great, but if not, I know I have an experience that I'll never forget."